How one man gets new laws passed - again and again

Ron Bailey, the most successful parliamentary campaigner in UK history, has had a long and influential career in politics. Over the course of his 40-year career, he has been involved in getting 16 bills passed and contributing to an additional 25 law changes. Bailey's journey into politics began in his youth, with a distaste for authority and a growing interest in activism.

He spent time in protests against homelessness laws and the squatting movement, gaining a deep understanding of law in the process. His first major success came in 1983, when he used a grant from the Greater London Council to launch a campaign for public access to council meetings and documents, resulting in the introduction of a Local Government (Access to Information) Bill.

Bailey's approach to legislation is unique, focusing on community mobilisation and avoiding party affiliations. He employs various tactics, such as private member's bills, to gain parliamentary time and push for change. Despite his conservative stance, Bailey has worked with various groups, including the Green Party and the Community Rights Project.

His golden rules of campaigning include allowing opponents to save face, appearing ultra-reasonable, and never engaging in party tribalism. Over the years, Bailey has built a reputation as a relentless lobbyist, getting laws passed through careful planning, community engagement, and, when necessary, direct action tactics.